Are all lists in prison to be supervised? – European Prison Rules that Ireland has committed to comply with

In the brochure “Know Your Rights. Your Rights as a Prisoner“, published by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Irish Penal Reform Trust, rights of a prisoner in Ireland were clearly presented.

About the correspondence, which can not be supervised it is written:


“Can I send any letters which will not be inspected?
Yes. Letters to certain organisations or bodies will not be opened before they are sent and will be posted without delay. These include letters to:

  • your solicitor (legal advisor),
  • the Minister for Justice,
  • the Prison Visiting Committee,
  • the Inspector of Prisons,
  • the European Court of Human Rights,
  • the Irish Human Rights Commission,
  • the Parole Board,
  • the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), and
  • the International Red Cross.

Incoming mail from your solicitor or any of the organisations or bodies listed above will only be opened to make sure that it is from your solicitor or one of the listed organisations. If any letter addressed to you is to be examined, it must be opened while you are there.” (bolded by us).


 

What laws regarding the prisoners Ireland has agreed to respect? – Does Dochas Centre prison in Dublin follows those rules?

“Ireland has agreed to follow the terms of four international treaties (agreements) which lay out standards for the treatment of prisoners.
These are:

  • • the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR);
  • • the Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment from the Council of Europe;
  • • the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); and
  • • the United Nations Convention against Torture (CAT).

The Council of Europe’s European Prison Rules are also important. Although they are not the law, they give important guidance on high standards for prisons.”


“Know Your Rights. Your Rights as a Prisoner.” Irish Council for Civil Liberties